The class of 2015 has become of the new focus in the recruiting world after the signing of the 2014 prospects in early February, and there has already been a change atop the player rankings as a new no. 1 overall player in the nation has emerged.

Defensive tackle Trent Thompson has risen in the recruiting rankings and is currently the new top player in the country for the class of 2015. The 5-star defensive lineman jumped up two spots to pass no. 2 overall player Mitch Hyatt, as well as former no. 1 overall player Kevin Tolliver II, who is now ranked as the no. 3 player in the nation.

What does it mean to be ranked no. 1 overall? Probably not much except bragging rights for the team who signs him and for the kid himself. The difference in the top few slots do not matter much, but the fact that Thompson is moving up shows that the experts who rank the players feel like he is progressing throughout the offseason entering his senior year.

The Albany, GA native stands at a firm 6-foot-4, 290 pounds and processes great quickness and athleticism off the line of scrimmage, as well as being able to use his hands to shed offensive lineman, which is something players really do not develop well until they reach college.

Thompson has been outspoken about his top schools throughout the past year, and he has the Georgia Bulldogs on top because they were not only the first school to offer him a scholarship, but because of the location to his hometown and his fondness of newly-hired defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt. He recently stated that the Florida State Seminoles, Pruitt’s former team, was his second team followed by the Tennessee Volunteers.

One of the biggest factors in Thompson’s decision will have to do with his mother. Thompson has said that his mother’s influence will weigh heavily in the college he chooses to attend. The five-star recruit said that he expects to possibly make a decision by the end of the summer just before his senior season, but it would not be surprising if that decision date is pushed back.

When the decision is made by Thompson, I would be surprised if it is not the Bulldogs who are on top. Thompson’s mother has a great relationship with Bulldog’s head coach Mark Richt, and Pruitt becoming the new defensive coordinator in Athens helps even more with the top defensive tackle.

Only time will tell with Thompson as he will be courted by many schools throughout the following year until his official letter of intent is signed and faxed, but until then, it will be anSEC vs. ACC battle for the five-star recruit.

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